Applications will be accepted until Sept. 30 for one of four $500 education scholarships to be awarded by the 635th Armor Regiment and 137th Infantry Regiment Scholarship fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship grants to assist direct descendants, legally adopted children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of those who served honorably to attend accredited schools of higher learning.

Eligibility for scholarships is linked to honorable service of parents and/or grandparents in the following past and present military organizations:

1st, 2nd, or 3rd Battalions of the 137th Infantry Regiment. 1st or 2nd Battalions of the 635th Armor Regiment. 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment. 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion (World War II).

The primary criteria upon which grants will be decided include scholastics, aptitude and involvement in the many forms of extracurricular activities in and out of school, participation in civic and community services, career intentions with a special emphasis on service to state and nation, and financial need.

The Scholarship Committee, in conjunction with the Topeka Community Foundation, manages the 137th/635th Regiment Scholarship Fund. If you are interested in donating to this scholarship, you may contribute via the web site, http://www.topekacommunityfoundation.orgor mail to Topeka Community Foundation, ATTN: 635th/137th Scholarship, 5431 SW 29th Street, Suite 300, Topeka, KS 66614-4486. Contributions are income tax deductible and easy to accomplish. 100% of the administration fees are paid by investment return or covered by a board member, so your entire contribution goes to the scholarship.

Contact retired Col. Robert Bloomquist at mailto:bbloom843@aol.comor 785-234-2688 for the application form or questions about eligibility.